Create a sponsorship strategy

Define local sponsorship needs, benefits, outreach, and follow-up.

Create a sponsorship strategy before outreach. It helps your team make consistent requests and fulfill every commitment.

Define what you need

Start with your event budget. Identify the essential costs you need to cover and the in-kind support that would reduce those costs.

Set a small number of flexible sponsorship options. Each option should state:

• The requested cash amount or in-kind contribution.

• The intended use and contribution deadline.

• The recognition or benefit you can provide.

Use Create a budget to establish funding needs. Review Types of sponsorship before setting benefits.

Offer appropriate benefits

Offer clear, proportionate recognition. Examples include a logo on agreed event materials, a thank-you in local communications, or a brief event acknowledgement.

Do not promise global promotion unless it is confirmed. Do not share attendee data or imply World IA Day endorses the sponsor.

Coordinate outreach

Assign one owner to each sponsor prospect. Track the contact, requested contribution, agreed benefits, next action, and outcome.

Prepare a short, tailored request. Explain the value of information architecture, your local community, and the specific support you need.

Follow up respectfully after a reasonable interval. Use the contact’s preferred channel and stop if they decline.

Deliver and report

Confirm every agreement in writing before publishing sponsor recognition. Review sponsor materials for accuracy before use.

After the event, thank sponsors and share a brief outcome summary. Report only metrics you can support and benefits you delivered.

Use Find sponsors to build your prospect list.